Actor and Martial Artist Chuck Norris Passes Away at Age 86 in Hawaii

Chuck Norris, the American actor and martial artist known for his tough-guy roles in film and television, has died at 86 years old. He passed away in a Hawaii hospital on Thursday, just hours after being admitted. Born Carlos Ray Norris in Oklahoma, he served in the U.S. Air Force in South Korea, where he began training in martial arts. Upon returning to the United States, he became a world karate champion, winning over 180 matches and founding his own martial arts school franchise. His film career began with a role in Bruce Lee's 1972 movie 'The Way of the Dragon,' where he famously fought Lee. Throughout the 1980s, Norris starred in numerous action films such as 'Missing in Action,' 'Code of Silence,' and 'The Delta Force,' often embodying a conservative, patriotic American hero. He gained further fame in the 1990s with the television series 'Walker, Texas Ranger,' which ran for eight years and over 200 episodes. In the 2000s, Norris experienced a resurgence in popularity through internet memes known as 'Chuck Norris Facts,' which humorously exaggerated his toughness. He was also known for his political conservatism and advocacy for gun rights. His death marks the end of a career that spanned decades and influenced popular culture through film, television, and digital media.